Intensive police operations have targeted County Lines operations across Devon and Cornwall.

Over the past two weeks local police officers have targeted the use and supply of drugs, associated crime and safeguarded vulnerable people.

The activity happened was part of the National County Lines Intensification Week and was followed up with a proactive operation in Cornwall.

A police spokesperson said: ‘Earlier this week, Project Medusa, a dedicated County Lines team from Merseyside Police, carried out a joint operation with local police in Cornwall and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) to target drug related offences in the county.

‘Teams focused their work on Newquay and Penzance but also carried out warrants in Truro and St Austell and stopped a vehicle with links to drugs supply on the M5 near Exeter.

‘This was a dynamic operation involving many teams including Roads Policing, Drones,Special Constables, Intelligence, Crime and Neighbourhood.'

The operation resulted in 31 arrests for a range of drug related offences, theft of a vehicle, possession of weapons

Vehicles seized for no insurance/MOT/licence

Seizure of drugs, cash and bladed weapons

Over 100 officers and staff supported the operation

‘At the end of February, we took part in a national week of action which was intelligence led and involved high visibility and plain clothes patrols in areas where drug dealing is believed to be taking place.

‘There were also warrants, searches and safeguarding using information reported by the public, partners, and officers.

‘This activity was supported by partner agencies to provide suitable safeguarding where possible.’

The operation resulted in:

51 crimes

53 vulnerable people safeguarded

More than £50,000 in cash, drugs and other property seized

74 Community Engagement visits and events

Over 50 suspects arrested/interviewed voluntarily

Head of Proactive Investigation, Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft said: 'Over the past two weeks we have seen some fantastic results from targeted work not onlyin removing drugs from our streets but also disrupting their movement and protecting vulnerable people at risk from dangerous drug networks. 

'This work happens every day in policing our communities, but the results show what ispossible when we work with other forces and partner agencies to have an even bigger impact.

'I’d urge anyone with information about drug use or supply in their communities to report it to us so that we can continue this activity and see more results like this.”

AlisonHernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles ofScilly, said: 'It is absolutely vital that we work with other forces to tackle the drug dealing which does so much damage in our communities.

'These operations will continue with my full support, which includes direct financial investment, so our communities and the dealers who seek to exploit our most vulnerable citizens understand that this evil trade will not be tolerated here.'

Superintendent Martin Earl from Merseyside Police said: 'Our Project Medusa team have had a successful week of intensification, working with local police in Cornwall andSWROCU. There is no doubt that the additional activity we have carried out will have further disrupted organised crime groups and the use and supply of drugs across the country.

'As a force we are committed to working alongside partners and other forces to close CountyLines and protect vulnerable people. We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities.'